Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, March 30: A local journalist, Mr. Sahadev Dey, who works as a reporter from Diglipur, has been missing since 8 PM 29 March 2025. Despite repeated efforts by colleagues and law enforcement, there has been no trace of him.
According to sources, Mr. Sahadev was seen yesterday around 1 PM in Rangat with an unidentified individual before traveling back to Diglipur. CCTV footage from Diglipur Fish Market at around confirms that he arrived there around 8 PM, got off a vehicle, waited for a while, and then proceeded on foot. However, after this point, his whereabouts remain unknown.
His phone, which was last active at 8 PM, has been switched off since then, making it difficult to track his location. Concerned by his sudden disappearance, his colleagues have lodged a missing person complaint with the police, who have now launched an investigation.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha daily, police sources said that till late evening, there were no significant clues in the case. However, they assured that their team is putting in their best efforts to locate Mr. Sahadev. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas and tracking possible leads to determine his last known movements.
Local media outlets and residents are being urged to share any relevant information that could help locate Mr. Sahadev.

Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 28: It is both distressing and alarming that the recent raid conducted by the Food Safety Department at Junglighat Fish Market has confirmed what the media and concerned citizens have been highlighting for years — formalin-laced fish is indeed making its way to the dining tables of the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Despite repeated warnings, news reports, and citizen voices, the administration had once issued a rejoinder denying the use of formalin in local fish markets. Yet, this very inspection has proven otherwise. The media, acting in the interest of public health, stands vindicated now.
The confirmation of formalin presence in 4 out of 50 samples is not just a statistical fact, it is a red flag. Formalin is a cancer-causing chemical primarily used as a preservative in laboratories, not on food plates. It is believed that its illegal use to prolong the freshness of fish is an unforgivable crime against public health. Regular consumption of formalin-laden fish can lead to cancer, kidney failure, respiratory issues, and several long-term health complications.
Even if only few fish seller might be using formalin, the people of these islands, who are dependent on fish as a staple part of their diet, are unknowingly being exposed to slow poisoning.
In Andaman fish forms the backbone of the diet for thousands of families and is a major source of protein for locals. In a fragile ecosystem like ours, where supply chains are often dependent on imports and limited cold-chain facilities, the temptation for some fish sellers to resort to such shortcuts has now been exposed. But this cannot be treated as a mere violation — it is an assault on the health of every islander.
What makes the situation worse is the fact that this is not the first time the media raised the alarm. Numerous reports over the years have pointed out the suspicious quality and unnatural appearance of fish available in the markets.
It is high time for the administration to move beyond warnings and awareness programs. This issue needs strict legal enforcement. Those few fish sellers who have been found guilty must face the full force of the Food Safety and Standards Act, and every effort must be made to trace the supply chain of these formalin-laced fish.
Moreover, a complete ban or strict regulation on the import and distribution of formalin in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands must be immediately enforced. Without controlling the entry of this chemical, its illegal usage will only continue underground. Local fish markets must also be routinely and randomly tested, with results made public to rebuild people’s trust.
The people of these islands deserve safe food, not chemical-laden commodities. The administration, now that the truth is out, must act decisively. Anything less will be a betrayal of the health and safety of every islander.

Trinath & Vikramaditya
Mayabunder, Mar. 27: The Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman, Mrs. Nandini Maharaj, highlighted significant steps being taken to address two critical issues faced by the district — water scarcity and shortage of specialist doctors.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, the Deputy Commissioner acknowledged that water scarcity has been a persistent issue, particularly in the Mayabunder region. “The water problem in North and Middle Andaman is concentrated mostly in the Mayabunder area,” she said. To address this, the administration conducted a village-wise and source-wise study to identify the most affected areas and the status of existing water sources.
Mrs. Maharaj shared that the administration has already prepared estimates and sanctioned projects for creating new water sources and connecting them via pipelines. “After many years of effort, we have successfully tapped an additional water source at Birsa Nallah, Mayabunder. This has been a major achievement for both the PWD and the District Administration,” she said.
The administration, on an immediate basis, acted swiftly by deploying the Superintendent Engineer for an extensive field visit, who identified the Birsa Nallah as a feasible water source. Within a week, water from Birsa Nallah was connected through pipelines and supplemented the existing water supply from Korag Nallah. “This immediate intervention has allowed us to balance water distribution more equitably across the supply chain, and we are fully prepared for the upcoming dry months of April and May,” she assured.
In addition to short-term measures, the district has also prepared mid-term and long-term plans to improve water augmentation and management for the next 30 years, covering Mayabunder, Diglipur, and Rangat. These plans have already been approved at the village and district levels and have been forwarded to the state committee under the Jal Jeevan Mission. “Water management is a top priority for the district,” Mrs. Maharaj stressed.
On the health front, the Deputy Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the recent posting of seven specialist doctors in North and Middle Andaman, which had been a long-standing demand of the people. “The entire district is grateful to the Health Secretariat for fulfilling this critical requirement,” she said.
Mrs. Maharaj also noted that severe acute malnutrition has been successfully eliminated from Rangat subdivision and is on the verge of being eradicated in Mayabunder and Diglipur as well. She credited the achievement to the leadership of previous Deputy Commissioners and Chief Secretaries who implemented the ‘Malnutrition-Free India’ initiative.
Further, the district has plans to advertise 28 vacant health posts under the District Health Society soon. “While we understand that improving healthcare will take time, especially with specialist doctors and equipment coming gradually, we have already started focusing on preventive healthcare,” she added, citing recent initiatives like the district’s participation in World Tuberculosis Day and the TB-Free India campaign.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 27: Upon the direction of Commissioner Food Safety, A&N Islands (DC,SA), the Joint Commissioner (Food Safety)/ADM(SA) along with a team of Food Safety Officials conducted field inspection at the Fish Market, Junglighat today. The inspection was conducted to check the use of harmful chemicals such as formalin in fishes being sold in the South Andaman District. Harmful chemicals are used sometimes to prolong the freshness of fish.
The team carried out tests of the fishes in the market using test kits developed by ICAR- CIFT Cochin. Out of more than 50 samples tested, 04 were found to be positive with formalin content. Further investigation with accredited labs is being done on the positive samples and action deemed appropriate under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 will be taken. The Joint Commissioner (Food Safety)/ADM interacted with the fish sellers in the market and informed them about the harmful effects of such formalin laced fishes on human health. The Joint Commissioner (Food Safety)/ADM has strictly warned all the stake holders to refrain from any such activities. The punitive action shall be initiated under the provisions of FSS Act and appropriate action will be taken against the violators to ensure the public health and safety.
Further, another team of Food Safety Officials were also deputed to collect samples of water and ice that are being used for preservation of fishes commonly by local fish vendors. Spot test of ice and water were also carried out with the use of field test kit and were found negative.
Moreover, the Food Safety Department has also lifted regulatory samples of fishes to be analysed by the FSSAI and NABL accredited laboratory for various parameters prescribed by FSSAI.
The Joint Commissioner (Food Safety)/ADM has warned the food business operators not to indulge in any such violations failing which strict action under Food Safety Act shall be initiated against the violators. The general public can lodge their complaints at phone No. 03192-236112.

Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Hope Town, Mar 26: The residents of Hope Town have been grappling with severe difficulties since the collapse of the local jetty nearly two years ago. The lack of a permanent jetty has significantly affected the daily lives of the people, especially the fishermen and other working-class residents who depend on it for transportation and livelihood. Although a temporary jetty has been put in place, the community is now demanding immediate action for the construction of a permanent one.
Residents have raised their concerns with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration multiple times through letters and meetings with officials, including the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary, and Shipping Department. However, despite repeated assurances, no concrete steps have been taken towards the jetty’s reconstruction, said Ms. Rashida Bibi, Pradhan of Hope Town Panchayat.
“People are suffering daily. Nearly 80% of the population here depends on the sea for their livelihood, and the lack of a jetty has forced them to spend extra money on alternative transportation. Fishermen, students, and daily wage earners are the worst affected,” she added.
Due to the absence of the jetty, people are forced to travel several extra kilometers, increasing their travel costs and inconvenience, said Mr. B. Laxmi Narayan, (Samiti Member)Hope Town.
The collapse of the jetty has resulted in serious hardships for the locals. Without it, residents must use expensive auto-rickshaws to reach other jetties for ferry services, adding to their financial burden. Additionally, the fishing community, which heavily relies on the jetty, has been struggling to transport their catch efficiently. “The situation is dire, and our livelihoods are at stake. The administration must act immediately,” he added.
Students and office-goers are also facing significant difficulties, as they have to travel long distances to reach ferry services. If no action is taken soon, the community may be forced to stage protests and demonstrations, said Mr. M K Hussain, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Stewart Gunj.
Similarly Padhan of Wimberlygunj, Mr. Venkat Ram Babu and Mr. P Abdul Basheer, Pradhan of Kanyapuram Panchayat have also highlighted similar problems being faced by public.
The PRI members have demanded that the administration take swift action by conducting a survey and approving the construction of a new jetty. They stressed that a new jetty is not just a demand but a necessity for the community’s survival and economic stability.